1
2
as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure
this is a tough plant that easily withstands harsh winters
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in harsh
difficult to endure
tough weather conditions on the top of the mountain all year long
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4
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
even if you study for it, it's still a tough exam
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5
as in sensitive
requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling
handled a tough situation with the aplomb and tact of a true diplomat
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6
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a tough supervisor who docked the pay of anyone who punched in late, no matter what the reason
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as in thug
a violent, brutal person who is often a member of an organized gang
didn't want her son hanging out with the neighborhood toughs
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tough
Joseph Person, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2026
In fairness, Campbell, Rizzi and Rodgers were holdovers from Sparano’s staff, but Philbin deserves credit for knowing how to identify coaching talents, and in my opinion putting together a quality staff is usually a head coach’s toughest battle.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
Alison Willmore, Vulture, 12 June 2025
When a set of tortuous toughs relocate to the neighborhood, his temperament shifts and the scenes increasingly unravel the inner workings of his shaken psyche.
—Holly Jones, Variety, 23 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for tough
Adjective
Los Angeles is moving on, but the conditions and crowds could only get tougher from here.
—Noun
The most nail-biting scene in the movie involves not a local tough but Claire, desperate in withdrawal, threatening to kidnap and kill the family dog if Kate doesn’t give her some money.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for tough
Adjective
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This means the inside and outside will have the perfect chewy-crispy ratio.—
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These soft and chewy treats are the result of dozens of careful recipe tests.—
Adjective
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With sturdy construction, ample shelf space, and glass doors, china cabinets are excellent for storing and displaying delicate china sets, trinkets, decorative plates, heirloom decor, and more.—
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Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.—
Adjective
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Bipartisan harsh criticism Senators from both sides of the aisle blasted the investigation.—
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Common exfoliators and fine line-eliminators like retinol and glycolic acid are too harsh on my skin, but this serum utilizes lactic acid, which is far more gentle but just as potent.—
Adjective
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Jens generally chooses his words carefully, and is, what’s more, particularly reticent just after finishing a long and difficult winter delivery trip; what’s a person supposed to do with words in a blizzard anyway, up on a stormy heath and all directions lost?—
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In his first start in the wake of Beau Pribula’s significant injury, Zollers walked into a difficult situation, and his stat line reflected it.—
Adjective
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The commission said the report overlooks other time-sensitive cases that don't require intake appointments.—
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Cold conditions may damage or kill sensitive crops, plants, and vegetation if appropriate precautions are not taken.—
Adjective
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Capping those rates could backfire, resulting in significantly stricter lending standards and making credit unavailable to lower-income people or those with lower credit scores.—
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Per his release, the rapper must follow strict guidelines for the next five years, such as no alcohol, drug testing, and federal supervision when opening bank accounts.—
Noun
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Again, Maduro is a socialist thug.—
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This is the underworld that Michlewitz and the rest of his thug pals come out of, and will protect at all costs.—
Adjective
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Look for smooth, matte, leathery skin free from cracks and soft spots.—
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Indian hawthorn has leathery, dark green leaves that take on a pleasing purple hue in winter.—
Cite this Entry
“Tough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tough. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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